Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia — Another Tick-Borne Menace

This viral hemorrhagic fever is spread by Asian longhorned ticks that already have a foothold in the U.S.; therefore, the disease may soon emerge here.

The Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis), endemic in many parts of Asia, transmits rickettsial and viral diseases including a potentially fatal condition caused by a phlebovirus (severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus [SFTSV]). The tick has numerous hosts, including migratory birds, and has been detected in more than 12 U.S. states, where it has transmitted disease to sheep and cattle and has even been found in suburban lawns (NEJM JW Infect Dis Sep 2019 and Clin Infect Dis 2019 May 31; [e-pub]). As this tick can replicate parthenogenetically, a large population can emerge from a single female progenitor, thus hastening its geographic spread.

In many parts of China, SFTSV infection, which has a mortality of 6%–30%, is…

Reviewing Author

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

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Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia — Another Tick-Borne Menace

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Reviewing Author